We all need people who inspire us and provide a role model of what is possible if only we dare.
Joanna Gaines is at the top of my list. I loved her show Fixer Upper and not just because I’m a fan of home design. No other show on HGTV ever hooked me in the same way. As a rule, I don’t generally follow or fangirl over celebrities; however, something about Joanna set her apart for me from the beginning. As a fan of Fixer Upper, I used to tell people I wanted to be her when I grew up. I did not realize for a long time what exactly drew me to her. There was a light and energy I could not explain other than her being a celebrity. Over time I’ve come to realize that she is a living example of what living your best life looks like to me. I now believe this glow and energy comes from showing up in the world authentically and living a purpose driven life.
Although Fixer Upper is a thing of the past, I continue to be a fan of Joanna and the magic she puts out into the world. I’ve purchased each of her children’s books for the littles in my life (The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be has a message that resonates across generations). I never make it through Target without checking out what new items are in from Hearth & Hand with Magnolia. My most recent find was the Golden Hour Textured Ceramic Seasonal Candle, which is adorable and smells absolutely divine. When I was in Dallas a few years ago I could not resist driving out to the Silos, even though it wasn’t exactly a short ride at just under two hours. My souvenirs from that adventure included a Magnolia coffee mug to add to my ever growing collection. I excitedly waited for updates after she and Chip announced plans for their own network and subscribed to Discovery+ as soon as I learned that’s where you could get the new Magnolia Network content.
As a CPA now passionately pursuing a new career journey, I was delighted when she mentioned on her new cooking show that she was the accountant for ten years for her dad’s business. From home designer, tv star, bakery and restaurant owner, writer, not-for-profit founder, bed and breakfast owner, magazine publisher, and now head of her own network while being a wife and mom, Joanna is a prime example of the endless possibilities you can achieve when you believe in yourself and pursue your dreams.
Earlier this year, Chip released a new book: No Pain, No Gaines. I have not read any of the couple’s previous books, but something made me buy this one on release day. I absolutely loved it, have recommended it to many friends and am sure I will be quoting it often. I love his message of authenticity, resiliency, daring to pursue your passions, and his blue chip network message for building your tribe. While I have been a fan of Joanna all along, this book opened my eyes to Chip as more than the goof-ster in their duo that he portrayed in the show.
I believe Joanna will be successful at anything she puts out into the world because she dares greatly and shows up authentically. We want her energy and influence in our lives and she generously shares it.
I no longer want to be Joanna Gaines when I grow up, but she continues to be an inspiration and role model. I have big audacious dreams of my own that might not include renovating houses (though never say never), but do include living my best, authentic life and encouraging others to do the same.
And if the universe sees fit, I would forever be grateful if my life journey one day lands me in the same circles as the Gaines for an introduction. It would be much like the story Chip tells in No Pain, No Gains about Jo getting acknowledgement from TSwift.
Until then, I’ll be enjoying my quarterly Magnolia Journal and watching Magnolia Network. Post-prep season I fully intend to make several of her recipes, including the crunchy french toast from her season 2 brunch episode. You can look forward to me sharing those experiences here on my blog.
Here are some photos from my 2018 visit to Magnolia.
Believe Grow Glow 